Butler, since replacing the injured Sweeney on June 19, has started as the DH 49 times. Only twice has he started at first base, but that could be his position ultimately.

"Definitely DH-ing is not what I want to do," Butler said. "It's just how I broke in and how I started my career." When Mike Sweeney returns to the Royals on Saturday as the designated hitter, Butler's first-base duties will increase. With Ross Gload around and Ryan Shealy returning, Butler won't be the everyday first baseman.

"He works hard and he wants to do this," Bell said. "We'll see, but he's going to get a lot of playing time at first base in the last month."

Billy Butler is working to become the Royals everyday first baseman of the future. (Ed Zurga/AP)

• Player - B Butler
• TEAM - KC
• POS - Designated Hitter/First Base
• Games played - 92
• At Bats - 329
• Runs Scored - 38
• Hits - 96
• Doubles - 23
• Triples - 2
• Homers - 8
• Runs Batted In - 52
• Batting Average - 292